Q5: Road leads to Haymarket

It's been 50 years since The Beatles invaded the American music scene, and the grip of the groundbreaking band hasn't lessened much for music fans throughout the decades.

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By Rimsie McConiga

The Leavenworth Times - Leavenworth, KS

By Rimsie McConiga

Posted Jun. 12, 2014 at 12:01 AM
Updated Jun 12, 2014 at 11:04 PM

By Rimsie McConiga

Posted Jun. 12, 2014 at 12:01 AM
Updated Jun 12, 2014 at 11:04 PM

It's been 50 years since The Beatles invaded the American music scene, and the grip of the groundbreaking band hasn't lessened much for music fans throughout the decades.

The band itself may not be performing Saturday night at Haymarket Square in Leavenworth, but it's as close to a reunion as fans are likely to see.

Abbey Road, a noted Beatles cover band, is slated to perform at 7 p.m. as part of Leavenworth Main Street's Live Free Concert Series.

Organizer Marty Pope has more in this Q5 installment.

1. Marty, why did Leavenworth Main Street Program decide to host another season of the summer concert series, which begins Saturday at Haymarket Square?

"Leavenworth Main Street is all about keeping our historic downtown alive and active. The Leavenworth Live Free Concert Series is just a way that we can give back to the comm3unity and thank all of the great patrons for shopping local.

"It’s always such a fun evening, and the community seems to enjoy it so much."

2. Can you tell us about the kick-off concert, which will celebrate a very important 50th anniversary? Who will provide food for this event?

"Actually this Saturday night’s concert, June 14, is a big anniversary party. We have all kinds of birthdays and anniversaries being celebrated. This is Leavenworth Main Street’s 10th season of free concerts, and Leavenworth is celebrating its 160th birthday. The town site was marked off on June 12, 1854.

"We also have several other entities that are celebrating important birthdays in 2014, many of whom will be present at the concert with table setups providing information or commemorative giveaway items.

"And, of course, the 50th anniversary your question referred to is that of The Beatles coming to the United States. Our band Saturday night is Abbey Road, a Beatles cover band. They played for us two years ago, and the crowd really enjoyed them. The food vendor for this Saturday’s concert is Pullman Place Restaurant, and everyone always loves the great concert food that Pullman Place brings."

3. What music genres will be featured at the other two concerts and who will the food vendors be?

"July 12 will be one of my favorites, The 51% Blues Band. They play blues, R&B, pop, and a little funk. They are a lot of fun. They have played our concert before, but because of their popularity, we haven’t been able to book them for several years.

Page 2 of 2 - "The food vendor for the concert in July is one of our newest downtown restaurants, Family Bistro.

At all of our concerts we will have soda, water, and beer for sale, and because it is a closed event, we cannot allow outside beverages or coolers into any of the concerts.

“But trust me, there will be plenty to eat and drink at each concert.

"The band for Aug. 9 is new to our concert series.

“They are out of Olathe, and are called Crosseyed Jack. They specialize in classic rock, which should be a great time.

“The food vendor for August is one of everybody’s favorites, Ten Penny Restaurant."

4. What old-fashioned tradition are organizers bringing back to the concert series this year and how does it work?

"Anyone that has seen the musical 'Oklahoma!' remembers the old-fashioned basket supper auction.

“We are trying a twist on this classic before each of our concerts this summer.

“Eight of our local restaurants have donated basket dinners for two people that will be auctioned off shortly after 6 p.m. before the concert starts at 7 p.m.

"Each of the 16 meals will go to the highest bidder to enjoy before or while they listen to the concert.

“All funds collected from the auction will benefit Leavenworth Main Street."

5.What are the greatest benefits the concerts provide for community members of all ages?

"Leavenworth is so lucky to have an open-air facility like Haymarket Square, and through these free concerts, Leavenworth Main Street is providing a fun event for families and friends to enjoy.

"The day itself may be hot, but when the sun heads west, and the evening cools down, it’s an excellent time to bring your lawn chairs, enjoy some really good food, and listen to some great music. You can dance, the kids have got space to play, and the Leavenworth Cruisers are always there with their classic cars for you to drool over and talk about.

"Bring your family, your neighbors, and all of your friends. Leavenworth Live Free Concert Series is a great time for everyone. Our sponsors for this year’s concert series are Country Club Bank, Jones Chiropractic, Family Dental Care, Eddie Moore State Farm, Wesley Property Management, and Cereal Ingredients, Inc. For more information on all of our upcoming events, visit leavenworthmainstreet.com."